MR. BEANE COMES TO BUFFALO

The Buffalo Bills have announced the hiring of Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Brandon Beane as their new general manager.

Beane, who becomes the 13th GM in Bills history, replaces Doug Whaley, who was relieved of his duties following the NFL draft nearly two weeks ago. Beane brings with him nearly 20 years of front office experience while working for the Panthers and has partnered with Bills head coach Sean McDermott for the last six seasons in Carolina.

“During our search for a new general manager, Brandon stood out to Kim and I as he embodies the type of leader and type of person we want in our organization,” Bills owner and CEO Terry Pegula said in a statement.

“Brandon has excelled in a variety of roles for a Panthers team that has consistently competed at a high level in this league. We feel his vast understanding and experience in many facets of football operations will be invaluable to our club moving forward. We also believe his vision for the Buffalo Bills combined with his detailed approach will help build a foundation for sustained success. We are pleased to welcome Brandon and his family to Buffalo.”

While serving under such luminaries as Dom Capers, George Seifert, John Fox, Ron Rivera, Marty Hurney and Dave Gettleman, Beane filled a variety of roles. Originally hired as an intern in the Panthers’ communications department in 1998, Beane eventually moved into the football operations and player-personnel department and was promoted to director of football operations in 2008.

In 2012, Beane served as the Panthers’ interim GM for the remaining 10 games of the season and was promoted to assistant GM three years later. The Panthers won five NFC South division titles and two NFC championships during Beane’s tenure.

The Bills will introduce Beane at a news conference on Friday morning.